No criminal charges will be filed over Cincinnati-Xavier 'Crosstown Shootout' basketball brawl

APCincinnati forward Yancy Gates, right, punches Xavier guard Landen Amos, left, during a fight in the closing moments of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturda in Cincinnati. Eighth-ranked Xavier defeated crosstown rival Cincinnati 76-53 in a game that was called with 9.4 seconds left when the teams got into a brawl.

CINCINNATI — A prosecutor said Wednesday he has decided against filing criminal charges in an on-court brawl involving University of Cincinnati and Xavier basketball players.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said he made the decision following an investigation that included review of films and interviews with the two teams’ coaches and some players and witnesses. He also said that Xavier center Kenny Frease was satisfied with an apology from Bearcat forward Yancy Gates after the two “reached out to each other privately.”

Gates punched Frease in the face during the melee. The 7-foot, 275-pound center fell, bleeding from below his left eye, and was kicked by someone else while on the floor. X-rays were normal. The 6-foot-9, 260-pound Gates was suspended by UC for six games.

The two archrivals’ annual “Crosstown Shootout” Saturday ended in a melee with punches, shoves and one player getting kicked while on the floor.

Officials and players of both schools have apologized, and both schools suspended four players each. No. 8 Xavier won the game 76-53. It was stopped by referees with 9.4 seconds left.